Hidden Brain Switch Controls Bee Jobs | Science News

Scientists have uncovered a hidden brain switch in bees that controls their age-based jobs—nursing, guarding, or foraging—by manipulating a gene called doublesex. By turning off specific neural circuits linked to this gene in older bees, researchers made them revert to nursing, a role typically reserved for younger bees. This reveals a surprising neural basis for hive organization, showing how complex social behavior can be directed by internal brain mechanisms, not just instinct. The study, published in PNAS, offers a fresh look at how social animals coordinate tasks—and hints that similar brain switches might govern cooperation in other species. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/52c82a39d5174656